Ilyushin Il-78 Midas

First flying in 1983, the Ilyushin Il-78 is a direct development from the Il-76MD strategic transport aircraft. Designated by NATO as the ‘Midas’, the Il-78 was the first dedicated aerial refuelling aircraft developed by the Soviet Union. Fitted with three refuelling pods, one under the fuselage and two under each wing, the original Il-78 could also double as a cargo aircraft thanks to removable internal fuel tanks. The more advanced Il-78M flew in 1987 which replaced the removable fuel tanks with permanent tanks fitted in the cargo bay, removing this additional capability. The type is still used by five air forces and a single example is stored in the US after being used by a private company in the early 2000s.

The Pakistan Air Force acquired four Il-78s from Ukraine during 2006 which were then refurbished at Mykolaiv airfield in southern Ukraine before being delivered during 2009 and 2011. Designated as the Il-78MP, these four aircraft are the only aerial refuelling assets on strength with the Pakistan Air Force and are flown by No. 10 Squadron known as the Bulls based at Nur Khan, originally called RAF Chaklala.

The Pakistan Air Force will be sending one of their Il-78MP ‘Midas’ Aerial Refuelling tankers to RAF Fairford in support of their JF-17 Thunders who will be appearing on static. We do not expect the Midas to remain with us over the weekend for static display but it is hoped to be visiting the airfield during arrivals and departures.

Photo Credit: Dean West